Being outside and playing in nature makes us feel happier and is good for our body and mind, writes the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust’s Kate Titford

Simple things like looking for different colours in the trees or laying on the grass to watch the clouds can give both children and adults time to process our emotions and reflect on how we are feeling.

Nature can help us keep well even when we must stay close to home. Evidence of the living world is everywhere, and we are all part of it. If we look after it, it will look after us too. Part of the secret is joining in, so why not make some time to head out into nature this weekend and see what happens.

It is suggested that there are five steps we can take to help improve our wellbeing. Trying these things, perhaps as a family, could help you all to feel more positive.

Connecting with other people can help to build our confidence. Although many of us can’t see each other in person at the moment, there are other ways you could connect. If you have a phone or camera, you could film your daily walk and show someone all the wildlife you spot. Or find a bird spotter sheet on the local Wildlife Trust’s website and challenge your friend to find as many as you can. Call each other at the end of the weekend to compare your results!

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Staying active can make us feel good. In whichever way you are able, spending time outdoors, and being in nature, is proven to make us feel better.

It’s been raining a lot recently. Why not do some puddle jumping! Daily exercise is permitted at the moment, so even just going on a walk with your family is a great way to take some time out.

Young girl playing on edge of woodland Norfolk winter

Young girl playing on edge of woodland Norfolk winter

When we learn a new skill, we feel proud of ourselves. It can help to build our confidence and give us a sense of purpose. However small, completing a task and learning something new is a simple way to feel good.

Why not try making your own bird feeder? The simplest way is stick sunflower seeds into an apple and then hang the apple from a tree. Perhaps you’d like to learn how to draw or photograph nature? Or you could even help your children to learn a little bit about their favourite species to tell their friends after once they’re back at school.

Being kind to others can make us feel good too. Although we can’t do much in our communities at the moment, there are other ways we can give to others, including wildlife! If you are lucky enough to have a garden, why not build a mini pond or an insect hotel ready for summer, or make a few hidey holes to help nature.

Paying more attention to the present moment can help improve the way you feel. This includes being more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and the world around you. Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”.

Enjoy nature. BBOWT

Enjoy nature. BBOWT

Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

We think that being outside can help us to be mindful. From listening out for bird song, watching the clouds, or just sitting still for a while in the outdoors.

Whatever you do this weekend, make sure to head outside for a while, feel the wind on your face, listen to the birds and take a moment to connect with the wild world around you.

Get more ideas for connecting with nature at bbowt.org.uk/actions